Ronald LaPread has sadly passed away at the age of 75. He was best known for his role as the bassist for legendary soul band The Commodores. Ronald's daughter, Soraya LaPread, confirmed the news of his passing with a short post on social media.
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"It is with a very heavy heart that I must announce that my father, Ronald LaPread, has passed," Soraya wrote.
Soraya didn't share details of what led to her father's death.
Ronald was the founder of The Commodores. Lionel Richie, Walter Orange, William King, Milan Williams, and Thomas McClary comprised the remainder of the group. The soul band was formed in 1968 while all members attended Tuskegee Institute. The group originally went by the name The Mystics.
In his role as the bassist, Ronald laid down the bass line for 11 of the group's studio albums. His guitar work can be heard on legendary songs such as "Three Times A Lady," "Easy," and "Brick House."
Upon leaving the band in 1986, Ronald emigrated to Auckland, New Zealand. Tim Roxborogh, a friend of Ronald's and the host of the Newstalk ZB radio station in New Zealand, has since issued a brief statement about his death.
"He loved New Zealand. He found a connection in the New Zealand music scene; he was often found in Auckland bars and in the music scene because he loved giving back so much," Tim said, via The New Zealand Herald. "And if you're lucky enough to get to know him, then you are blessed to know a guy who's just so wonderful and so generous with his time."
Ronald LaPread Recently Rejoined the Band for a Tour of New Zealand
Despite the group's advanced age, Ronald recently teamed back up with his old bandmates as they toured New Zealand in 2025. The group was undoubtedly well-received.
Unfortunately, that was the last time The Commodores would be seen together. They recently pulled out of "Freedom 250's Great American State Fair to celebrate America's 250th birthday over the event's political ties," per TMZ.
No details regarding Ronald's impending funeral have been released. That information will likely remain private for family and close friends.
